Gill Furniss MP, Labour’s Shadow Minister for Steel, Postal Services, and Consumer Affairs, commenting on reports that the Prime Minister opposes high tariffs against dumping steel, said:

“It is deeply disheartening to hear that the Government continues to put deferring to China above the interests of this vital sector and the communities that sustain and rely on it. As those communities know all too well, free trade doesn’t always mean fair trade and the best economic policy isn’t always to let markets reign free.

“American and European governments can see the dumping of Chinese steel for what it is and are prepared to take action to level the playing field for domestic producers – why can’t the Tories do the same? Their unwillingness to support this essential industry lays lie to their claim to be committed to an industrial strategy.”